In what’s become a savory tradition, the sixth annual Washington County Cheese Tour returns on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, six cheesemakers will open their farms to the public.

On this self-guided tour, visitors can drive through the bucolic countryside using a special cheese lover’s passport and map. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about and sample award-winning local cheeses.

At each farm, guests will sample specially selected cheeses while experiencing firsthand the region’s long-standing cheese making traditions that date back to the 19th century. Special activities planned include cheese-making demonstrations, tours of the facilities and educational demonstrations.

All of the cheese producers are at active farms that raise the cows, sheep and goats that produce the milk for the cheese, They include Consider Bardwell Farm, which is on the Vermont-New York border in West Pawlet, Vt.; 3-Corner Field Farm in Shushan; Argyle Cheese Farmer, Longview Farm and Sweet Spring Farm, all in Argyle; plus Sugarloaf Farm in Fort Ann.

Consider Bardwell is now in its eighth season under the ownership of Angela Miller and Russell Glover. Cheesemaker Peter Dixon has worked with them to create handmade cheese at the farm founded by Consider Bardwell in 1864. Their 300-acre farm was the first cheese-making co-op in Vermont.

The tour is organized by the Washington County Cheese Makers to showcase their farms and their award-winning products. The self-guided tour is free, and cheese will be available for purchase at each farm. For more information, visit www.washingtoncountycheese.com.